Thoughts are powerful. They shape pretty much anything within our lives. Every day we are constantly thinking. We think about goals, fears, relationships, and the world around us.
Have you ever stopped to think about what thoughts are and how we can actively change – REWIRE them to improve our lives?
In this post, I will dive into the nature of thoughts, how they influence our experiences and how you can reshape your thinking patterns to align with the life you want.
Thoughts are mental representations of ideas, memories, or perceptions. They can come in the form of words, images, or even abstract concepts. Thoughts are generated by our brains based on a combination of our past experiences, current environment, emotions, and beliefs.
Thoughts can be Conscious, Subconscious, Positive or Negative in content.
Our thoughts shape the reality we experience. The thoughts we repeatedly have influence our emotional state, how we perceive ourselves and others, and the actions we take. If our thoughts are predominantly negative or self-critical, they can limit what we do. If they’re positive and empowering, they can open doors to new possibilities.
Emotions can be affected by the thoughts we have such as a thought narrative of ‘I am not ready for this driving test’ will likely lead to anxiety, where as a thought narrative of “I have prepared well and I am excited to do my best” may bring confidence.
Beliefs can be formed from repeated thoughts which in turn effect our behaviours. If you Believe you are not good at something then you will find ways not to be, if you believe you can then eventually you will.
Habits are formed from recurring thoughts. Negative thinking often leads to procrastination or self-doubt whereas positive thinking can help build habits of productivity and create self-discipline.
Rewiring your thoughts is not about forcing positive thinking all the time, it’s about becoming aware of your thought patterns, challenging them, and gradually replacing limiting beliefs with more empowering ones.
Awareness
Are your thoughts mainly positive or negative? Do you find yourself being overly critical or doubtful? Simply observing your thoughts without judgment is the first step toward change.
Challenge
Once you’re aware of your negative or limiting thoughts, challenge them by asking is this a thought based on Facts or assumptions? Is there evidence to support the thought or has it stemmed from fear ?
In my experience negative thoughts are exaggerated or unfounded therefore by taking a moment to challenge them, you can start to loosen their grip on your mind.
Replace the Narrative
If you find you say things such as ‘ I am not good enough’ replace it with ” I am growing every day and I am very capable of success’ or one I use daily is ‘ Nothing has any meaning until I attach it’ this replaces almost all of my negative self talk. It allows me to take a breath, identify what I am saying and to choose a better meaning which serves me better.
This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or difficulties; it means shifting your mindset to focus on solutions, opportunities, and growth rather than obstacles.
Be Grateful
With this one my automatic narrative used to be ”Really Gratitude, that is not going to change anything’ however from actually making this a habit it works because when you focus on what you’re thankful for, it shifts your attention away from negativity. Make it a habit to write down three things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how small they seem and watch the effect it can have.
See the change
Picturing yourself succeeding in your goals, you activate neural pathways in your brain that make success feel more attainable. Spend a few minutes each day visualizing positive outcomes in areas of your life, whether it’s work, relationships, or personal growth.
Time to focus ( otherwise known as meditation !!!!)
Ok so I mentioned this because I now know it works BUT another negative narrative of which I have had and still do struggle with from time to time is that ‘ I look ridiculous” ‘ I don’t have time” I am not that sort of person, it doesn’t work for me ” None of which is true so I have changed the meaning of meditation to me. To me I identify it as becoming more present therefore reducing the influence of negative or distracting thoughts. when you get good at mindfulness you can create space between yourself and your thoughts which allows you to then become more aware of the thought, challenge the meaning and replace it with better meaning.
Thoughts Shape Who You Are and What you do.
Your thoughts are not fixed and becoming aware of them, challenging their negative aspects, and consciously choosing empowering alternatives, you can rewire your brain for success, happiness, and fulfilment. Remember, change takes time, but with consistent effort, you can transform your thought patterns and create the life you desire.
To reshape your reality lies within your mind. It all starts with your thoughts.
So, what thoughts will you choose today? I would love to know. Drop me a message below.